Archive for 'Ho Yip/Sun Yip'

In 2008, the last time we took a look at Hung Yip, located on 45th street between 5th and 6th, it was called Sun Yip and/or Ho Yip. Several years and another name change later, the buffet is still going strong, so I figured it was worth revisiting.

I am a big fan of the 2:15 lunch special at Sun Yip (formerly Ho Yip). I can’t usually wait that long for lunch, but on the days I can- it’s a nice treat. Basically after 2:15 they discount their steam table to $4.29/lb. (it used to be $3.75, but what are you gonna do). This is a pretty big deal, considering that most by the pound buffets are at least $6 a pound, and most of the good ones are even more. Usually I go right at 2:15, when the buffet is still full (they usually do one major refill just after 2pm) but the other day, I happened to be walking by at 3pm and saw a pretty pathetic sight.

I am not a big fan of Buffets by the pound- for obvious reasons. Or maybe it’s not so obvious if you are skinny and have any amount of self control. Me, not so much. I love the “buffet” part, but adding those other three words, destroys what is otherwise a wonderful, magical thing. First, I don’t want to know how many pounds of food I’m about to eat (Is it true if you eat 2 lbs of chinese food, you automatically gain two pounds?). Second, I feel hindered. I’m thinking, “Gee what does this weigh?” and “Am I really getting a good weight to price ratio”. Always trying to find that big money item and staying away from super heavy cheapo items like rice, and dumplings (my personal favorite).

Well, I’m happy to say I have finally found a price by the pound buffet that is not only a decent value- but is stocked with my favorite kind of food! Ho Yip, a cheap chinese food place on 45th between btw. 5th & 6th that during lunch has an all chinese buffet by the pound (and the choices are tremendous!). It’s $4.95 per pound- but here’s the real deal. If you go after 2:15pm, the price drops to $3.75 a pound (the late lunch special).

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Late lunch” and “Price drop” at a buffet by the pound does not exactly instill confidence in the freshness of the food you’re getting. But I was very surprised to learn that they restock the buffet just before 2:15 in preparation for the big crowds that come late looking for the deal. Apparently they keep putting food out until they run out. It really is a wonderful thing… if you like cheap and greasy Chinese food (and don’t mind waiting with a horde of other bargain hunters).

My plate, the rest of the menu, something for free(!) and the +/- after the jump… Read more »